Rockies surge past Giants with 5-run 9th

San Francisco, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Pinch-hitter Ryan Wheeler tied the game with a two-run single and DJ LeMahieu put Colorado in front with a base hit as the Rockies used a five-run ninth to surge past the San Francisco Giants, 7-4, in the opener of a three-game set.

Colorado trailed 4-2 entering the ninth before Troy Tulowitzki and Justin Morneau singled off Sergio Romo (3-2) to begin the frame. Pinch-runner Charlie Culberson replaced Tulowitzki, who was injured running to first on his hit.

Wilin Rosario flied out to advance both runners and Corey Dickerson was intentionally walked to load the bases. Wheeler then stepped up for Josh Rutledge and rolled a grounder up the middle to plate Culberson and Morneau to knot the game.

LeMahieu flared a base hit off the end of the bat and into center to bring home Dickerson and end Romo's night. George Kontos came on and served up a single to pinch-hitter Michael McKenry, which allowed Wheeler to score. Kontos then picked off McKenry from first, but he was in the rundown long enough to let LeMahieu to score from third and make it 7-4.

LaTroy Hawkins fired a 1-2-3 ninth to nail down his 12th save and Matt Belisle (1-2) picked up the win after striking out two in a perfect eighth.